The Promotion

Richard fails the drug test because he has recently used marijuana. During the final interview process, both candidates are required to take a drug test, and the results reveal Richard's recent marijuana use, which disqualifies him from consideration for the manager position.

Earlier in the film, Richard's past substance abuse problem is mentioned, hinting at his vulnerability to this outcome.

Cutting the cheese is a pun that sounds like breaking wind, which is why it caused controversy at the deli window. When questioned about the sign, Richard explains he didn't realize the phrase could offend Americans and jokes that Canadians say cracking the cheese instead.

Doug uses mace after being struck from behind by a Yoo-hoo bottle thrown by a gang member while he was helping a customer in the parking lot. He confronts the gang and sprays one of them with mace in what he views as self-defense, though the incident escalates tensions further.

The gang has been causing problems throughout the film, loitering in the parking lot and contributing to negative customer surveys.

Richard wears a wrist brace after Doug accidentally hits his hand with frozen Tater Tots while attempting to throw them in the trash. Richard exaggerates the injury and pretends to be hurt, which further inflames the rivalry between the two assistant managers.

After Doug's community apology, Richard makes an offhand comment referring to the gang as black apples, which is a derogatory term. This remark enrages the head community leader and permanently damages Richard's chances of getting the promotion, as it undermines the reconciliation effort.

Richard has a tendency to make inappropriate, blunt remarks throughout the film.

Doug performs cartwheels and backflips across the street after learning he got the promotion because rumors had circulated throughout the film that he previously won medals in Junior Olympics gymnastics. The celebration confirms those rumors and serves as a humorous culmination of his achievement.

Early in the film, rumors circulate that Doug was a Junior Olympics gymnast, which initially embarrasses him.

After losing the promotion to Doug, Richard reconciles with his wife Laurie and returns to Quebec with his family. He reportedly becomes the manager at his old grocery store after an incident where he allegedly stops an accidental fire, which circulates as a rumor about his heroic actions.

Richard's wife Laurie and their daughter move temporarily to Scotland to stay with her parents because Richard's behavior becomes more erratic due to the stress of the promotion competition. This follows his pattern of past substance abuse issues that resurface during the intense rivalry.

The film mentions Richard has a past substance abuse problem that concerns those around him.

Doug needs the promotion because he has recently purchased a new house and faces significant financial pressure. He must secure the manager position to afford the home, which is why the promotion competition becomes so stressful for him and his wife Jen.

A gang of teenagers loiter in the parking lot of the Donaldson's store, creating problems for customers and staff. Their antics contribute to a flood of negative comments on customer survey cards and ultimately lead to Doug's controversial mace incident in the parking lot.